Page 60 of Beehives and Broken Heroes

Jo put her arm around Allie’s shoulder. “It’s going to work out, Allie.”

Allie nodded, and they got in Jo’s truck. Halfway to the highway, a loud hiss came from the front of the car, along with a puff of what looked like smoke. Barely a second later, the truck lurched forward and swerved.

The women screamed. Allie held on to the grab handle above her door with both hands, and Jo white-knuckled the steering wheel. Jo slammed on her brakes, and the women jerked forward at the abrupt stop.

“What in tarnation was that?” Jo barked.

Jo and Allie looked at one another and jumped out of the car. Both front tires were flat.

Allie bent down to get a better look. “How did this happen?”

“Maybe nails or something?” Jo glanced back at the dirt road behind them, then got up to investigate. “I don’t see anything.”

From down the road, in the direction of the highway, a black SUV made its way toward them. Jo stepped off the road.

Allie jumped up and stood in the middle of the road to wave the driver down.

There were two men in the vehicle. The driver was about the same height and built as Cash; he had sandy-colored hair, also like Cash; and he smiled at them. The other was thinner, about as tall, and had lean muscles and black hair. He had a scar through his lip on the right side and wore a scowl like it was his life’s mission.

They stopped. “You ladies all right?”

Allie went to the driver’s window. “We got a couple of flats.”

“Two?” The driver frowned and looked over the steering wheel. “In one go?”

“It would seem so,” she said.

“Well, we were just on our way to Brandon Carroll’s house,” the driver said. “Do you know him?”

Allie grinned. “Yeah, he’s a friend.”

Jo scoffed behind her. Allie swatted a hand at her.

The guy smiled. “Wait, are you Allie?” His gaze cut to Jo behind her, his brow furrowed. “Or maybe you’re Allie . . .”

Allie pulled her chin back. “I’m sorry, who are you?”

The guy pointed a thumb at his chest, and then over his shoulder to Mr. Scowl as he introduced them. “We’re Brandon’s friends. I’m Chris Spencer, and this here is Joseph Murphy.”

She brightened. “Oh, hi! It’s so nice to meet you.” She shook his hand. “I am Allie, and this is my sister, Jo.”

The man gave them a two-fingered salute. “He’s told us all about you. He sure has a soft spot for you.”

Mr. Scowl or Joseph had something silver and about the size of a pack of gum in his hand and was turning it in his fingers.

Heat rushed to Allie’s cheeks, pleased that Brandon had talked about her to his B.O.T.s friends. “The feeling’s mutual,” she admitted.

He grinned, showing sparkling white chompers. “We’re headed to meet him. Want a ride?”

Jo came forward. “Brandon’s not home.”

Chris looked at his watch, then at Joseph. “We’re about half an hour early.”

“Do you think you could give us a lift to town?” Allie asked.

“Is Brandon in town?” Joseph leaned forward and glanced across Chris. His tone was deep, and it surprised Allie, making her jump.

“Yes,” she said. He probably was, and the last thing she wanted was for him to find them stranded on the road. That was not equal footing.

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